The festive period is typically filled with overindulgence on turkey and mince pies however, many people in Watford will be going hungry this Christmas.

Volunteers helped support those in crisis by packing donated food at the Tesco store, in Waterfields, Watford, on Friday December 1.

The food was being sent to Watford Foodbank, which aims to provide a “lifeline” to prevent people in the community going hungry.

The foodbank is supported by The Trussell Trust to help combat poverty and hunger across the UK and they provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to people who are referred to them in crisis.

The foodbank also works closely with the Watford and Three Rivers Refugee Project as well as New Hope and Watford Citizen Advice bureau.

There are more than 95 different health agencies, support groups, childrens centres, churches, schools and housing associations who hold vouchers.

However, there are five distribution sites around Watford open on different days and times where food can be collected.

During the three-day food collection event at Tesco, volunteers collected packets and jars of various food items that had been donated from shoppers, such as tinned vegetables or packets of pasta.

The items were then categorised into meat, vegetables, soup or sweet treats and then loaded into a van before being taken back to the foodbank.

This time of year can be very difficult for families or individual people who are struggling with tight budgets.

Factors such as winter fuel costs, an unexpected illness or a delay in receiving benefits can add extra pressure and nobody should have to worry about eating over the Christmas period.

To support the foodbank, visit: watford.foodbank.org.uk